CHINA (Guangzhou): Pakistan Maritime Security Ship KASHMIR, the first 1500 tons and fourth in the series of six Multi-Purpose Patrol Vessels (MPVs), was commissioned on 20 July 2018 at Guangzhou, China. Lt Gen Zamir Ul Hassan Shah HI(M) (Recd) Secretary Defence graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The ceremony was also attended by Director General Pakistan Maritime security Agency Rear Admiral Zaka Ur Rehman SI (M), Vice Chairman CSSC, President CSTC, Chairman Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard and other civilian and military dignitaries, says a Press release.
The 94 meter MPV, PMSS KASHMIR displaces 1550 tons of water and is equipped with state-of-the-art Weaponry, Communication and Navigational equipment. The ship is propelled by two advanced diesel engines to achieve a maximum speed of 26 Knots and has an endurance of 3500 nautical miles.
The ship is ideal platform of PMSA, capable of undertaking multifarious missions such as Surveillance and Policing. Anti-Smuggling and Anti-Poaching Operations, Security and Law enforcements patrolling in Maritime zones. Pollution monitoring and control and Search and Rescue operations while operating independently or as part of a Task Force in Multi Threat Environment for extended duration of period at sea due to capability of Replenishment and Ship borne Helo Operations.
Addressing the ceremony, Secretary Defence congratulated the M/s CSTC, Haungpu Wenchong Shipyard, HQ PMSA and all stake holder involved in the project for continuous persuasion of the project for its success. He also highlighted the historic and time tested relationship with our great friend, China.
He emphasized the importance of this project for the maritime security of our region in general and for the China Pakistan Economic Corridor in particular. He said that Pakistan Maritime Security Agency is not only safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime Security ably, but also playing an important role for maritime security in the regional context. He vouched that this potent platform PMSS Kashmir will further add to the capability of PMSA in contributing to the maritime security.
Chief Guest expressed that PMSS Kashmir, as its name implies, is a symbol of our solidarity with our integral part Kashmir. The people of Kashmir are engaged in a heroic struggle and continue to lay supreme sacrifices for their rights. This ship, being the largest one in PMSA fleet, has, therefore, been named “Kashmir” to show our resolve towards the cause of Kashmir and solidarity with our great Kashmiri brothers and sisters.
Earlier Director General Pakistan Maritime security Agency Rear Admiral Zaka Ur Rehman SI (M) during his welcome address highlighted the importance of this project in the context of overall security paradigm of our region alongwith the PMSA’s responsibility to regulate the maritime affairs of a vast area covering approximately 295,000 sq km stretching over 1000 KM from Sir Creek in the East to the mouth of Gwatar Bay in the West.
He also stated that PMSS Kashmir will further add to the capability of PMSA in contributing to the maritime security in Area of Responsibility.
Realizing the needs of our changing security paradigm particularly in the wake of the CPEC project, Ministry of Defence Production had signed a contract for the construction of 6 x Maritime Patrol Vessels with M/s CSTC of China in Jun 15. As per the contract, 4 x MPVS were to be constructed at China – 3 at Xijaing Shipyard, Liuzhou and 1 at Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard, Guangzhou. With the Commissioning of PMSS Kashmir, all these MPVs are now part of PMSA Fleet. Remaining two MPVs are under construction at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited in Pakistan under transfer of technology arrangement with our Chinese friends.
PMSS Kashmir will be commanded by Captain Azhar Mahmood TI(M) and manned by 10 officers & 64 men. The ship will be the part of Off Shore Squadron – 26 under the administrative and operational control of HQ PMSA.